The two-time champion big man is exactly what Washington needs right now.
Amongst the NBA’s 30 teams, the Washington Wizards lack direction more than perhaps any other franchise. They won just 15 games this season, and are moving forward without any semblance of a blue chip prospect to build around. Even with the second overall pick, the 2024 NBA Draft Class may not offer a franchise-defining prospect.
Behind the lengthy wing defense of Avdija and Coulibaly, Clingan’s 7-foot-2 frame and 7-foot-7 wingspan will fortify the rim. Not only does the 20-year-old have the massive 280-pound frame needed to deter rim attempts, but he’s equipped with an advanced skillset as an interior defender. He’s quick to get off the ground, has a knack for finding shots with his hands, and possesses a great understanding of angles and positioning.
At just 20 years old, Clingan also has room to grow. He can add even more strength, improve his mobility, and sharpen his reads with experience. Clingan does not bring the offensive upside that top picks of years past have, but he has clear pathways to NBA roles on offense. His size helps immensely when finishing on the interior, he sets hard screens, and he can crash the offensive boards. He likely won’t be doing too much scoring, but Clingan has the skillset to fulfill simplified offensive roles at the NBA level.
When he is presumably available with the second overall pick, the Wizards should take Clingan off the board and build toward an elite defensive team.Arya is an NBA & NBA Draft analyst from Boston, Massachusetts. He has produced content on specific players and teams as well as general basketball philosophy.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NBA Draft: Top Picks Could be Available at 2024 DraftFor the first time in several seasons, top picks at the NBA Draft could be up for grabs in exchange for win-now talent.
Read more »
Atlanta Hawks 2024 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0: Post Draft Lottery EditionIn an unexpected twist to start the NBA offseason (for the teams not in the playoffs), the Atlanta Hawks won the NBA Draft Lottery and will select No. 1 overall
Read more »
Hornets Draft Slot Revealed in 2024 NBA Draft LotteryThe 2024 NBA Draft order is set.
Read more »
What draft picks the Indiana Pacers have in 2024 after NBA sets draft orderThe NBA broke standings ties for the 2024 NBA Draft order recently, and the Indiana Pacers know their 2024 draft picks now.
Read more »
2024 NBA Mock Draft: Where's Nets' Draft Picks Go?Unless trading back into the draft, the Brooklyn Nets are going to be inactive during the big event.
Read more »
2024 NBA Draft: Devin Carter and Enrique Freeman Shine At NBA CombineWith the 2024 NBA Draft Combine concluding, who were the biggest stock risers at the event?
Read more »